Nashville, TN Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Adding a residential pool in Metro Nashville requires a Residential Permit from the Metro Department of Codes and Building Safety, processed through the Zoning Help Desk and ePermits. Setbacks are governed by Title 17 §17.12.040 and Table 17.12.020-A: in-ground pools that extend 12 inches or less above grade need a minimum 3-foot side setback; in-ground pools extending more than 12 inches above grade and all above-ground pools must provide a side setback equal to one-half of the zoning district minimum but not less than 3 feet, with rear setbacks generally at least 3 feet. Pool equipment (pumps and filters) must sit at least 3 feet from the rear property line and meet half the side setback. Pools may not be placed within recorded easements or platted setbacks, and pools located forward of the principal structure must meet the contextual or platted street setback. Barriers must comply with Chapter 3 of the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as adopted in Metro's Residential Code: a minimum 48-inch fence or barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates, and openings that prevent passage of a 4-inch sphere. State law (Tenn. Code Ann. §68-14-804) additionally requires a pool alarm for new residential pools, and the receipt must be submitted with the permit application. Self-permitting homeowners must complete notarized affidavit forms. No new permit is required to replace a previously permitted pool of the same size in the same location. Public/community pools are separately regulated under Metro Code Chapter 10.48 by the Metro Public Health Department.